HomeMy WebLinkAbout10122009 City Council Minutes City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 12, 2009 Volume 38, Page 160
CALL TO ORDER
The October 12, 2009 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order at 7:00
p.m. by Mayor Clark Corbridge.
OPENING CEREMONY
Lieutenant Butch Tiner led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Clark Corbridge presiding and Willard Dunham
Jean Bardarson Bob Valdatta
Tom Smith Marianna Keil
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Phillip Oates, City Manager
Jean Lewis, City Clerk
Johanna Dollerhide, Assistant City Clerk
After Roll Call, Council suspended the rules to have a brief birthday party honoring
Imo
Seward's oldest citizen Pat Williams, who turned 100 on October, 20, 2009.
ABSENT — None
VACANT - One
CITIZENS' COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED
FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Keith Campbell, chair of the library museum building committee, congratulated the council
for putting forth the ballot issues last week. The bonding issue passed, but the sales tax increase was
defeated. The committee had been interviewing architects for the project all day and the committee
hoped to have schematics by mid January. They had some wonderful applicants for the design of the
building. Campbell complimented the citizens for stepping up and saying yes to the project.
Tim McDonald, said it was invigorating having a party for Pat Williams and realized we are
all family. Politically, this town had problems. Seward did not have an electorate, and had structural
financial problems that needed to be faced sooner than later. He hoped they paid attention to the
serious tasks at hand.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Bardarson /Keil) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 12, 2009 Volume 38, Page 161
Motion Passed Unanimous
The following was added to the agenda:
Mayor Corbridge's Mayor Awards of appreciation.
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Resolution 2009 -098, Accepting Reimbursable Historic Preservation Travel Grant And
Appropriating Funds Totaling $3,790 Including $2,274 Federal Share And $1,516 In -Kind
Volunteer Labor Of The Seward Historic Preservation Commission.
Approval Of Council Letter Of Support To Submit Seward Mountain Haven Project In The
"Just A Darn Good Idea" Category For AML's Community Awards.
Certification Of The October 6, 2009 Municipal Election Results As Final. Results Are Listed
In The Same Substantial Form As Certified By The Canvass Board:
FINAL CERTIFICATE OF RESULTS FOR THE
REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTION
HELD OCTOBER 6, 2009
The City Canvass Board has completed their review of all absentee and questioned ballots of the
Regular Municipal Election held October 6, 2009. Their totals are:
{ Note: Total Counted plus Total Rejected =Total Voted }
Report of Absentee and Questioned Ballots
Absentee ballots voted 77
Questioned ballots voted 16
Special Needs ballots voted 3
Total Voted 96
Rej ected
Not registered, registered too late 17
or registered out of City
Form not completed properly 1
Signed/witnessed after election day
Total Rejected 18
Counted
Absentee 75
Questioned 0
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 12, 2009 Volume 38, Page 162
Special Needs 3
L.
Total Counted 78
The Election Day results, after canvassing are as follows:
Two -year Mayoral Seat
Election Day Votes After Canvass Votes Total Votes
Willard E. Dunham 264 52 316
Write -ins 113 18 131
Three,Two -year Council Seats
Election Day Votes After Canvass Votes Total Votes
Tom Smith 285 51 336
Robert Valdatta 311 55 366
Vanta Shafer 310 52 362
Write -ins 56 17 73
u poo° : (Advisory) Shall fluoride be added to the City of Seward water to the level (0.7 -1.2
parts per million) recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service?
Election Day Votes After Canvass Votes Total Votes
YES 229 50 279
NO 206 28 234
Proposition 2. (Advisory) Shall the Seward City Council increase the sales tax from 4.0% to 4.5 %,
with the understanding that the additional funds are expected to be in an amount sufficient to cover a
portion of the proposed library /museum operating and construction costs and would be available to
be appropriated by the City Council?
Election Day Votes After Canvass Votes Total Votes
YES 185 38 223
NO 251 37 288
Propojilion3 Shall the City of Seward incur debt and issue general obligation bonds in an amount
not to exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000) to finance the construction of community library
museum capital improvements in the City? Bonds may not be issued until the City has obtained
additional funding through contributions and grants for the remainder of the costs of the project.
,.. The bonds shall be secured by a pledge of the full faith and credit of the City. It is expected
that annual payments of principal and interest on the Bonds will not exceed the annual amount to be
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 12, 2009 Volume 38, Page 163
sej received by the City from a one -half percent sales tax.
Election Day Votes After Canvass Votes Total Votes
YES 253 48 301
NO 176 27 203
A total of 440 people voted at this election plus 78 counted absentee votes = 518 Total.
SPECIAL ORDERS, PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
Proclamations and Awards
Mayor Corbridge gave special thanks and plaques of gratitude to Vice Mayor Dunham,
City Clerk Jean Lewis, and Finance Director Kris Erchinger.
A gavel and plaque was presented to Mayor Clark Corbridge for excellent leadership
and dedicated service as Mayor of the City of Seward.
A gavel and plaque was presented to Ron Long for his excellent leadership and
dedicated service as Seward's Representative on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly.
A proclamation honoring Fire Prevention Month was read.
Borough Assembly Report. Borough Assembly Representative Ron Long did not have
anything extra to report, but took this opportunity to thank his wife for her support during his time as
Borough Assemblyman for Seward.
City Manager's Report. City Manager Phillip Oates congratulated Mayor Corbridge for
his service. Oates stated since the last Council meeting there had been no city expenditures of
$10,000 to $50,000 and no Requests For Proposals (RFPs) to report.
The City Administration had completed and signed an extension of agreement for two
additional, one year extensions for the Aluttiq Shellfish Hatchery Agreement. Senator Gary Stevens
would be in Seward on October 16 and 17, 2009. There would be meetings with the administration,
council, boards and commissions and the public. The Providence Community Health Fair would be
Saturday, October 24, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the AVTEC gym. There was a coal ship
docked in Seward on October 8, 2009 and another scheduled to be in Seward on October 17, 2009.
The City Manager met with Governor Parnell and Borough Mayer Carey on October 3, 2009 in the
Governor's Anchorage Office. The primary topics discussed were DNR determinations of
navigability and gravel fees, state support of the Alaska SeaLife Center, and State funding to the
Harbor Grant Program.
The Alaska SeaLife Center Seawater Heat Pump Project had been selected by the Denali
Commission for funding. The President and CEO of the Center expressed his gratitude for the City
support of the project. The heat pump technology should save energy, reduce the carbon footprint,
and prove valuable for broader application in Seward and other locations in Alaska.
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October 12, 2009 Volume 38, Page 164
Chugach Electric Association would be working at Dave's Creek at Mile 41 of the Sterling
Highway on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 and a power outage was scheduled to last from 8:00 a.m.
to 8:00 p.m. but may run longer if there are unforeseen complications. Seward would be generating
power during this outage.
Harbor
West Construction (out of Anchorage, Alaska) was awarded the Breakwater Extension Project
from the US Army Corps of Engineers. The rock placement for this harbor project was anticipated to
happen during 2010, either in the winter, early spring, or fall. The Harbor was selling 4 impounded
vessels at the end of the month. Notices of the Sale have been distributed, and the procedures for the
sale are outlined in SCC. SMIC Staff received training on storm -water monitoring and sample
collection by an environmental consulting firm on October 6, 2009. The department worked with
PND Engineering to complete a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER)
Grant Application for $16.9 million dollar project to complete the breakwater and basin at the
Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC). Special thanks to PACAB Vice Chair Theresa Butts for
her review of the application. Passenger Fees collected from businesses carrying passengers for hire
on sightseeing cruises, water taxis, or charter fishing vessels were down approximately $140,000
through August. The Port and Commerce Advisory Board reviewed City Council's
recommendations to the City Manger for the Harbor and SMIC enterprise funds at their last business
meeting on October 7, 2009.
Sports and Recreation
Parking was closed for the winter and would re -open in May. Park Maintenance &
Campgrounds closed the regular camping season on October 1, 2009. "Shoulder Season" camping
allowed for electricity, but no water. Brush cutting and fall clean -up continued.
Public Works
The Public Works Department was approximately 80% complete in changing to winter tires.
Interviews for the open operator /mechanic position would take place the week of October 12, 2009.
This hire would bring the Public Works Department to full staff for the first time in two years.
Maintenance and some digging around town were taking place prior to the onset of winter. An
application had been made for ARRA loan funding for Phase I of North Seward Water Storage and
Pumping Facility.
Library
The SCLMBC would like to thank all who voted for the library museum bond. This community
commitment to support the project was an essential step for securing the remaining funds for the
project. The SCLMBC would now focus on raising the remaining funds. The City and the SCLMBC
were also utilizing current donations to bring the project to 34% design. A project manager had been
hired and architectural firms were interviewed today. The library was broken into on September 29,
2009. All stolen items had been returned and damaged items replaced.
Community Development
Seward Mountain Haven Update: A Certification of Substantial Completion was issued to the
Contractor and Providence moved Physical Therapy Staff and began seeing patients at the Wesley
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October 12, 2009 Volume 38, Page 165
Commons on September 28, 2009 and moved Elders and staff into the Lodges on October 1, 2009.
The scheduled Final Completion Date was early November. The department continued to track the
Kenai Peninsula Borough's Navigability Task Force and their efforts to question DNR
determinations of navigability and gravel fees in the Seward Area. The Task Force would solicit
community questions at the Seward Bear Creek Flood Service Area Board Meeting on October 20,
2009.
Other Reports, Special Presentations
A report on the Shellfish Hatchery was given by Jeff Hetrick. Hetrick gave a brief
history of the hatchery. The hatchery ran out of funding for full operation of the facility, but hoped
to start back up in January. He thanked the City of Seward for the support received. They had a
financial and moral obligation to run this facility. Hetrick noted they were trying to get more
financial commitment from the state.
The 2010 -2011 Budget was introduced by Finance Director Kris Erchinger and City
Manager Oates.
Council recessed at 8:50 p.m.
Council resumed at 8:58 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
Resolution 2009 -095, Authorizing Termination Of The Existing Lease With Gerald Lorz As
Assigned To Daniel And Linda Lorz And Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A New
Lease With The Darling Family Trust For Lot 5A, Block 1, Seward Small Boat Harbor
Subdivision, Plat 2000 -19, Seward Recording District, Third Judicial District, State Of Alaska.
Notice of the public hearing being posted and published as required by law was noted and the public
hearing was opened. No one appeared to address the Council and the public hearing was closed.
Motion (Bardarson /Dunham) Approve Resolution 2009 -095
Oates read the council agenda statement of the resolution, stating the intent of the lease
proposal before the council.
Motion Passed Unanimous
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 2009 -096, Revoking Resolution 2009 -089, And Stating An Intent To Fund
$4,060,000 For The North Seward Water Storage Tank & Pumping Facility Project Subject To
Receiving A Loan In That Amount, Authorizing A Loan Application With The Alaska
Drinking Water Fund And Authorizing The City Manager To Accept A Loan Offer From The
Alaska Drinking Water Fund With Payments Subject To Bi- Annual Appropriation.
Motion (Dunham/Smith) Approve Resolution 2009 -096
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October 12, 2009 Volume 38, Page 166
is Oates said what this did was change the language of the original resolution council had
th
passed to allow the attorney to be able to give an opinion to DEC and to conform to Chapter 11 of
the Charter. This change must occur for this action to go forward.
Bardarson was not present at the last meeting when Resolution 2009 -089 was approved, and
she just wanted to make sure the council wasn't committing this money until the money was
established and accounted for.
Valdatta said this 1.5% interest rate would not last forever, and council should act quickly on
this opportunity. Dunham wanted to be sure the city moved along on this project as well. He still
had hopes of getting cruise ship money.
Motion Passed Unanimous
Resolution 2009 -097, Authorizing The City Manager To Submit To The State Of Alaska A
Grant Application For A Federal Grant For Providing Public Access To The Seward Cemetery
Information Requesting $8,881, Including $5,329 Federal Share And $3,552 Applicant Share
In The Form Of In -Kind Volunteer Labor.
Motion (Bardarson /Keil) Approve Resolution 2009 -097
..
Oates reviewed the intent and history of the resolution. He recommended approval.
Historic Preservation Commissioner Jolund Luther announced that this was a very short
time period to act on. The commission had decided to pursue this project from their priorities list.
This would make information better available. This was not a genealogy project, just information
already available made more accessible.
Corbridge had heard concern regarding the idea of making identity theft easier. Linville
stated this was a common practice and a well respected and developed research tool. This type of
research had gone online years ago. Luther stated the commission considered this concern, and
found there were many resources already out there for this purpose of finding deceased. This was
not information found on a birth or death certificate. Luther felt it was a valuable resource and
hoped council would support it. Oates said it wouldn't have crucial information needed for identity
theft, he felt. The intention was to do all of the surrounding area cemeteries.
Motion Passed Unanimous
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
Council did not discuss the Shellfish Hatchery Update because enough information was given earlier
and did not feel the need for further discussion.
Approve applicant Frank DeMarco as Planning and Zoning Commissioner with a term to
expire February, 2012.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 12, 2009 Volume 38, Page 167
Motion (Smith /Keil) Appoint applicant Frank DeMarco to the
Planning and Zoning Commission with a
term to expire February, 2012.
Motion Passed Unanimous
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS (No action required)
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Keil wished Pat Williams a Happy Birthday. She just got back from a conference in Miami
to try and engage students to be active in government. She hoped to bring types of programs like this
to Seward. It also reminded her that the city needed to bring more conferences to Seward.
Smith wished Pat Williams a Happy Birthday.
Valdatta also wished Pat Williams a Happy Birthday. He thought Keil's idea could be good
for the Boys and Girls Club to look into. Valdatta commended Squires for his ever present education
for fire safety.
Dunham commented Seward had lost three citizens recently, Sam Banic, Ginny Arnold, and
DJ Whitman. All had a long history and participation in Seward. He gave congratulations to Dr.
Lori Polasek selected to fill the Public at Large seat on the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Council.
Dunham noted Lee Poleske was nominated for a historical photo contest. He announced the ARRV
process was moving and possibly two weeks into November, they city may know the processor of the
ship. He thanked Martha Fleming and the honor students who participated during Meet the
Candidates Night. It was heartwarming to see students participating in the election process. Senator
Stevens would be here this weekend, and Dunham encouraged the public to visit with him.
Bardarson announced her condolences of those lost. She congratulated Valdatta, Smith,
Shafer and Dunham and thanked Corbridge for his time. She thanked the public for helping
celebrate Pat Williams' birthday. Bardarson noted she went to the high school and attended some of
their government meetings and tried to get interest in the government process and hoped it would
continue in that direction.
Corbridge thanked the people of Seward for the learning opportunity as mayor. He had
learned more in the last two years than anything in his life. It was a lot of work and very rewarding.
Keil wanted to know if we were going to discuss priorities with Sen. Stevens.
Valdatta wanted to know if the state had named the ARRV yet.
Dunham met with the new owners of the sawmill and they were eager to meet and talk with
the city to talk about their potential.
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Minutes
October 12, 2009 Volume 38, Page 168
CITIZENS' COMMENTS
Jolund Luther thanked council for approving the two historic preservation resolutions
tonight. He announced they still had one more vacancy on the commission and encouraged the
public to apply.
COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE TO CITIZENS' COMMENTS — None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
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